David Bowie's Ex-Wife, a 'Celebrity Big Brother' Contestant, Among Last to Be Told of His Death

Angie Bowie is currently a contestant on the British edition of the reality TV show.

Although news of David Bowie's death on Sunday has reverberated around the world, one person close to the late singer who hasn't yet been informed is his ex-wife.

Angie Bowie, who was married to the rock icon from 1970 to 1980 and is mother to their son, film director Duncan Jones, is currently a contestant in the British edition of reality show Celebrity Big Brother. As such, she does not have access to the Internet or other communications and is effectively shut off from the outside world.

Broadcaster Channel 5 announced Monday that the one-time model will be told about her former husband's death away from the cameras.

"Following the very sad news of David Bowie's death this morning, we can confirm that Angie Bowie will be informed off-camera today at the earliest opportunity," the channel said in a statement.

In the week since joining the Celebrity Big Brother house, Angie — who appeared as herself in the 1973 documentary Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars — has talked about her relationship with David, saying that she hasn't seen him in 40 years.

"I go to great lengths to avoid him. ... it was terrible when we broke up. It was awful," she said.

Channel 5 confirmed later on Monday that Angie had been told of the news offcamera by her representatives, but that she had decided to remain on the show.

"The decision to remain in the house is entirely her choice, and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind," the network stated. "Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed."